(Memphis, TN) - Smith & Nephew recently partnered with HealthyHere, a mobile medical clinic, to provide annual physicals, primary care, and follow-up care to employees. The HealthyHere mobile clinics are fully outfitted with portable ultrasound machines, a private area in the vehicle dedicated to physical exams, and the equipment necessary for performing on-board lab work and biometric measurements.

Smith & Nephew is making HealthyHere available at no cost to employees at its Brooks Road and Holmes Road campuses as well as its general distribution center. Thomas Sutphin, occupational health nurse with Smith & Nephew, notes that many of their employees have taken the opportunity to visit the mobile clinic.

“An employee can complete their annual checkup in about half an hour via the mobile clinic which is much less than the half day it can take to travel, wait and see a doctor in a regular office setting,” says Sutphin. “Our team members say that the convenience of a mobile clinic is a major benefit.”

The mobile clinic has already resulted in the diagnosis of chronic illnesses in some team members and, for many, early detection and treatment are key . “We’ve had employees find that they are diabetic or have blood pressure issues,” said Sutphin. “Thanks to the mobile clinic, they are aware of it and can get the proper medication and treatment they need before the situation becomes more serious.”

Employees who visit the clinic schedule their appointments on the date and time that is convenient to them during HealthyHere’s visit. Subsequent follow-up appointments are scheduled every six months – or sooner if needed.

Communication and privacy are critical to the success of the mobile clinic. “Our team members get reminders a few minutes before their scheduled time, which helps reduce the number of missed appointments,” notes Sutphin, “They also know that their privacy is maintained throughout the process, which makes them feel more at ease.”

HealthyHere communicates directly with employees to schedule appointments – and any results or paperwork are sent directly to the employee.

Greater access to healthcare is important for both Smith & Nephew and its employees alike. “I like working for a company that is committed to the well-being of our team members,” says Sutphin. “By providing the mobile clinic, we’re helping the employees get the healthcare they need to be successful at work and in life.”

Dr. Bill West, founder of HealthyHere, agrees. “Annual physicals are one of the best methods for understanding physical health and curtailing any issues before they become life threatening,” says West. “As such, providing greater access to regular checkups is central to our mission – and the mobile clinic allows us to do that in about 25% of the time it takes for a traditional office visit.”

Some of the positive changes that Smith & Nephew hopes to achieve as a result of this partnership include:

Better prevention, early detection and management of chronic illness such as diabetes and hypertension

A decrease in overall expenditure on pharmaceuticals, and

Enhanced health and wellness of their team members

About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to helping healthcare professionals improve people's lives. With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma & Extremities, Smith & Nephew has around 15,000 employees and a presence in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.smith-nephew.com.

About HealthyHere:

HealthyHere, a Lifesigns affiliate, provides businesses with on-site annual physicals, primary care, and follow-up care for employees via its mobile medical clinic. This model is designed to reduce employer and employee cost, increase access to care, improve wellness and complete a doctor’s visit in 25% of the time of a traditional office visit. For more information, visit www.healthyhere.com.